I am seriously considering Cloth Diapering our little one when she gets here at the beginning of June but I am at a loss for resources. Has anyone actually tried this? If you have tried it and have some advice one way or another or know of any blogs, websites, resources– please share!!! Thank you!

(And for those of you scrunching up their faces and saying “What is she crazy?” There are several reasons I am interested–) Yes it does cut down on waste, (which I feel like our lives our overrun with anyway.) It is also good for baby, and I have heard several say it proves to really save money in the long run. Since I am planning and hoping to be home with little Lu, I think I may just embark on this journey.

Any Thoughts?!

I am considering starting a new tradition with this blog. I have decided I will try to share a new recipe, every week with all of you, my blogging family. Whether it be a trusted and well-seasoned sampling from my cooking arsenal.. or something new that I would like to try– I think it may be a good idea for several reasons. First, who of us cannot use new culinary inspiration from time to time? I know I can. Second, and most applicable to me, I believe it will keep me on task with this blog. I often feel the temptation to allow far too many days to occur between postings and perhaps this new aspect will keep me disciplined. (It’s a worth a try!)

For Today: I would like to share a Strawberry Shortcake Recipe (Courtesy of Paula Deen and the Food Network.) With Valentine’s Day just next month, this is an excellent alternative to the gooey, rich chocolatey desserts that so often reign around V-Day. Not that I’m down on Chocolate. No way. I love Chocolate. Chocolate is paramount and yummy. However, whenever you want a different romantic dessert– try this. (Hint: I made this for Lance last Valentine’s Day and since it was just the two of us, I made individual desserts in mini-trifle dishes. Either way, it’s a crowd/ husband/ fiancee/ boyfriend/ family pleaser!!) Enclosed is a photo from when I first made it. Let me know if you like it!!!

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/strawberry-shortcake-recipe/index.html

Cindy’s Notes: When making a regular size Shortcake as in this recipe, a trifle dish is an excellent tool to have as the angel food cake when sliced horizontally, fits perfectly! This is also a great idea for Parties and Showers! Let me know if you like it!!! (Oh, and good strawberries are a must! If you cannot get any good ones, wait until you can!)

That’s right folks—

WE ARE HAVING A GIRL!!!!!!

Now that it’s out in the open, I can finally admit that I have had an inkling since day one but I tried to keep it to myself so no one would think I just “wanted a girl.” 🙂 And in days past, I may or may not have been guilty of purchasing certain girl outfits and accessories… that well, let’s face it– a boy could not have worn. I just kept telling myself– ‘well I love this so I’ll save it until we have a girl.’ 🙂 But all in all, we of course just wanted a healthy little baby. But now that we know we have a daughter– we are both THRILLED. I think Lance was actually happier than I was. (If that’s possible.) 🙂
Thank you all for your prayers and sweet comments and notes. From the best that we could tell from the ultrasound, everything looks great and she seems to be in perfect health. This is certainly something we want to continue to pray for and if you would join us, we would be very grateful.

Well, The last few months have passed by (some days so much slower than others thanks to the nausea!) And we have all three (Lance, Baby and Myself) made it to the 2nd Trimester!!! I would like to formally thank my husband for getting me through this time of constant “sickiness” and doing it with patience and love and consideration. He has really been a blessing and an encouragement and I could NOT have done it without him. I know we will continue to face difficult days in this pregnancy, but the Lord has and will sustain us both– and I am so thankful for my husband. Without further ado… I think the worst of the “all-day sickness” is behind us! I have had a cold for over a week but even with that, I feel more like myself than I have in months– and that is a nice feeling to be sure!

I wanted to share a few things from these last few months that I know you will appreciate.
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A few things that I consistently craved or that gave me comfort from the nausea:

• Bagged Ice. No kidding, we have had to have some of this in our freezer at all times this entire pregnancy. I do not think this will change. (see photo below.)
• Sour Patch Kids. Anything sour basically. Sour jelly beans, etc.
• Citrus Everything. Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, wow.. good stuff.
• Spicy Food. (I know, strange for someone who is sick to their stomach.)
• Pickles. (As predictable as this one is, it’s so true. Somedays I would plan my lunch around where I could get pickles and lemonade.) But not ice cream. 🙂
• In the beginning it was hamburgers. Not good, gourmet hamburgers.. but cheap, thin, hamburgers. Some days, this was all I could eat for lunch and since I knew I needed the protein, well… I did it. Regardless of the occasional nagging guilt in my head saying, “Do you want your precious child to be addicted to JUNK food? Do ya?!” Luckily this craving has just about passed except for the occasional surprise “gotta have a burger” spurt. Weird. I know!! And I am NOT a junk food eater. Anyone that knows me would tell you I am a bit of a food snob with somewhat of a “refined palate” as Lance calls it. Go figure. 🙂
• I have not had a cup of coffee in three months.. and I do not miss it (for now.) I still can’t stand the thought of it. My mom was apparently the exact same way.

A few funny “Husbands say the darndest things…”

• On our way to the first OB-Gyn appointment, I was (big surprise) feeling a little woozy and Lance out of no where says to me… “You know, I think ‘0b-gyn‘ sounds like a droid from Star Wars… I do.” I have to admit, he does have a point. Just the same, it’s pretty cute.
• Lance asked me if the baby is a girl, can we name her “Pearl” so that he can refer to me as “Mother of Pearl.” I said no. Can you blame me?

Honestly, there have been so many other funny things that have come out of this little adventure, but once I sit down to write them… I cannot remember. Something with the PG hormones maybe?

Here’s Lance with that wonderful bagged ice…

I’m so sorry this is crooked. I cannot figure it out.

This is Him. Here’s my guy.. the one who has unbelievable patience. Love him.